Mercedes boss Toto Wolff decides against skipping Japanese GP due to team’s slow start in 2024 F1 season

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made a last-minute decision to attend the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, despite initially planning to skip the event. The change in schedule comes after a disappointing start to the 2024 F1 season for the Silver Arrows.

After a double DNF in the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes currently sits in fourth place in the constructors’ standings, trailing Red Bull by 72 points and Ferrari by just four points. The team’s lack of performance has raised questions about Wolff’s position as team principal.

Wolff, who also holds the roles of chief executive of the F1 team and director of Mercedes motorsport, has faced criticism following the team’s struggles in the early races of the season. Despite overseeing a period of historic success with eight consecutive constructors’ titles, Mercedes has only managed to win one race since the introduction of new design regulations in 2022.

Wolff remains determined to turn the team’s fortunes around, stating, “We have a physics problem, not a philosophical or organizational problem.” He acknowledges the need for improvement but remains committed to finding solutions to the team’s performance issues.

Fans can catch all the action from the Japanese Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1, with the race scheduled for 6am on Sunday. With Wolff back in attendance, all eyes will be on Mercedes as they look to bounce back from their early-season struggles and make a statement in Suzuka.